A Bit About Blogging Etiquette...

Holly over at 504 Main shared her thoughts on blogging etiquette and I couldn't agree with her more!  I'm not pointing fingers at anyone-so far I've had really good experiences blogging and interacting with other bloggers.  I've met some wonderful, talented ladies who have been extremely supportive and encouraging of my tiny blog.  But it never hurts to talk about it.  I know that I personally need to be better with responding to comments and her post gave me a loving kick in the pants to get me on track to get better at that.  I don't ever want anyone who takes the time to stop by my blog and leave me a comment to feel like I don't notice it.  I appreciate each and every comment!  They seriously make my day!  So, I'm making a commitment to you, my lovely readers and commenters, to sincerely respond when you leave me comments.  With that said, I am a mom of a busy little one-year-old and no offense, but he takes rank over responding to comments and reading blogs and leaving comments of my own.  That doesn't mean that I don't value what you say, love your latest post or want to tell you what I think of your most recent awesome project.  It just means that some times I might not respond at the speed of light.  I promise I won't forget you : )  Just bear with me if it takes me a couple of days.

I liked what she said about giving credit when you share tutorials or pictures or ideas that you've found elsewhere.  They're not yours, so don't pass them off as such.  It's just not nice. Always give credit where credit is due!  Even if you can't remember where you saw the idea, at least admit that it's not your original idea.  Nothing ruder than stealing others things and passing them off as yours.  And let them know you've shared their idea.  9 times out of 10, when I do a feature on someone, I email them first, asking permission to share.  There have been times when I haven't done that-some bloggers want you to obtain permission before featuring them, some don't mind if you let them know afterwards.  Always check out their policies before using things from their blogs-but I always let them know that I've featured them, provide them with the post link and if they don't like the piece I've done, I'm more than happy to delete it.  Really, I think as long as you go through the proper channels, you can't go wrong.

I also found what she said about following other blogs to be right on.  We all follow blogs for different reasons.  I personally follow blogs that have something that interests me, inspires me or just makes me feel good.  Please don't get offended if you follow me and I don't follow you back because your blog just isn't my cup of tea.  There are plenty of blogs that I follow that don't follow me back and it might be for that very reason.  I don't take it personal.  Lindsay left me a very good comment on feeling weird following when it's someone's personal (family) blog.  I completely understand what she means.  I kind of feel like I'm snooping.  I usually just leave a comment saying thanks for stopping by or something along those lines and leave it at that.  I don't want to seem like one of those crazy stalkers : )   

At the end of the day, I think we just all need to remember this: We are first and foremost, people with lives. and though blogging is great fun, my family does come first. And I absolutely think people understand that.  Plus, most of the blogs I follow are by moms with kids still at home.  I know that they have lives just like me, so I don't get my panties in a twist when I comment and they don't respond immediately : )

What are your thoughts on blogging etiquette?  Do you agree with Holly?  Do you think she's way off?  Do you think she missed something?  I'd love to hear your thoughts : )